Sectors

Transforming Urban Landscapes

Innovative designs that enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and create resilient urban ecosystems.

At Meristem Design, we believe in the power of urban greening to address pressing challenges in our cities, such as biodiversity loss and poor air quality. We work with local authorities to create and maintain green spaces that not only beautify the environment but also provide practical solutions for urban issues like flooding.

By incorporating sustainable drainage systems and innovative design, we aim to transform urban areas into thriving ecosystems that benefit both residents, wildlife and the local environment.

Mitigates Flooding

Innovative features like rain gardens and SuDS planters manage stormwater effectively, reducing the risk of flooding and enhancing climate resilience.

Enhances Biodiversity

Urban green spaces support diverse plant and animal life, contributing to healthier ecosystems and promoting wildlife habitats within cities.

Improves Air Quality

Vegetation helps filter pollutants and carbon dioxide, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment for residents.

Promotes Community Wellbeing

Green spaces provide recreational areas for relaxation and social interaction, fostering a sense of community and improving mental health.
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Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

Our SuDS solutions are designed to effectively manage stormwater in urban areas, reducing flooding risks while enhancing the local environment. By incorporating features such as rain gardens and planters, we transform hardscapes into vibrant ecosystems that naturally filter and absorb rainwater.

These solutions not only help prevent surface water flooding but also create aesthetically pleasing spaces that promote biodiversity and improve water quality and quantity.

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Kerbside Strategy

At Meristem Design, we collaborate closely with local authorities to develop comprehensive kerbside strategies that enhance urban spaces. Our approach involves assessing the unique needs of each area, focusing on transforming underutilised kerbside spaces into vibrant and sustainable public spaces.

By integrating innovative features such as sustainable drainage systems and parklets, we create environments that improve air quality, promote safety, and build community engagement. Our goal is to create adaptable, long-lasting solutions that contribute to the overall wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.

Featured products & services

Meristem Design offers planters that serve as effective urban drainage systems, capturing rainwater runoff while enhancing urban green spaces and community appeal. All of our SuDS planters are custom and handmade in our warehouse in Kent.
Our rain gardens absorb 30% more water than lawn grass, prevent pollution, and reduce erosion. Tailored for landscapes, they enhance urban areas and create habitats, making them perfect for local authorities.
Parklets are vibrant extensions of the kerbside that transform parking spaces into green community spaces. Designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind, these versatile spaces enhance social interaction, encourage active transportation, and boost local economies.
Mobility hubs support sustainable transport goals by combining green infrastructure with active travel options. They improve accessibility, reduce emissions and enhance the public realm through placemaking and sustainable transport links.
Nature gardens support biodiversity, flood resilience and community wellbeing in underused urban spaces. These immersive green areas invite connection with nature and support local wildlife.
Pocket parks convert small or neglected spaces into lively, functional green areas. They help address local priorities like flood resilience, antisocial behaviour and community engagement.
We provide tailored maintenance solutions for all our projects, ensuring thriving, healthy spaces year-round. Our horticultural experts cater to each project’s unique needs, offering one-off or ongoing services that include watering, cleaning, feeding, pruning, and pest control.

Get in touch

If you like what you've seen and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of maintenance is required for a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter?

Regular SuDS planter maintenance applies, with occasional wildlife checks and optional seasonal planting refresh.

Can Bio Habitat SuDS Planters be customised?

Yes, the SuDS planters can be adapted to site conditions or education/interpretation goals.

Are Bio Habitat SuDS Planters suitable for schools or public spaces?

Yes – the planter is a brilliant engagement and learning tool that supports curriculum links and community action.

How does a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter support biodiversity?

Through features like bee bricks, bug hotels, a watering hole, hollow stems, and a hedgehog house, the SuDS Planter provides a diverse set of wildlife habitats.

Where can Bio Habitat SuDS Planters be installed?

Ideal for schools, parks, and grey, urban spaces – anywhere that needs both sustainable drainage and a biodiversity uplift.

Does a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter work like a regular SuDS Planter?

Yes – it delivers the same stormwater retention and filtration benefits with added wildlife functionality.

What is a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter?

It’s a SuDS planter that manages rainfall while incorporating diverse wildlife habitats for birds, pollinators, amphibians and more.

Can a green roof add value to a property?

Yes – green roofs can increase property value through better energy efficiency, longevity, and environmental credentials.

Do green roofs help with flooding?

Yes, they absorb and retain rainfall, reducing runoff and easing pressure on urban drainage systems.

Do green roofs need maintenance?

Yes, all green roofs need some maintenance. Extensive roofs need minimal care, while intensive roofs require regular upkeep.

How long does a green roof last?

With proper installation and care, a green roof can extend your roof’s lifespan by 20 to 30 years.

Can green roofs be installed on sloped roofs?

Green roofs can be installed on slopes up to 45°, though additional support systems may be needed for steeper pitches.

Are there different types of green roofs?

Yes, extensive green roofs are lightweight and low-maintenance, while intensive green roofs resemble rooftop gardens and support deeper planting.

What is a green roof?

A green roof is a layer of vegetation planted over a waterproof system installed on top of a flat or slightly sloped roof.

Do nature gardens help with climate resilience?

Yes, they improve biodiversity, support pollinators, cool the urban environment and manage rainfall – all key elements of local climate resilience strategies.

Can SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) be integrated into a nature garden?

Yes – many of our nature gardens include rain gardens or permeable areas to manage runoff and reduce local flood risk.

Can nature gardens be used for education?

Absolutely. Schools use them to teach about ecosystems, climate resilience and sustainability, while providing pupils with hands-on and engaging experiences in a natural setting.

Are nature gardens suitable for urban areas?

Yes, they are ideal for schools, estates, parks and even small plots in city centres. Nature gardens soften hard landscapes and deliver valuable ecosystem services in space-limited settings.

How is a nature garden different from a typical garden?

Nature gardens focus on biodiversity, native planting, and ecological value. They often include habitat features like log piles, wildflower meadows and rainwater-absorbing beds, rather than manicured lawns or formal planting.

What is a nature garden?

A nature garden is a biodiverse, low-maintenance green space designed to encourage wildlife, support sustainable water management, and create a calming environment for people to enjoy.

Are mobility hubs customisable?

Yes. Each hub is tailored to local needs, space availability and priorities, such as biodiversity enhancement, accessibility, or branding for business improvement districts.

What features can be included in a mobility hub?

Standard features can include cycle parking, rain gardens, green screens, seating, digital or physical signage, e-bike/e-scooter docks and community noticeboards.

Can mobility hubs help reduce congestion and pollution?

Yes – by promoting active travel and integrating transport options, they reduce reliance on private vehicles and improve local air quality.

Who uses mobility hubs?

They are designed for a wide range of users including commuters, residents, students and visitors – encouraging walking, cycling and public transport use.